The Small Details

And Caleb said, "Whoever attacks Kiriathsepher and takes it, I will give my daughter Achsah as wife." Othniel son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it; and he gave him his daughter Achsah as wife. Joshua 15: 16-17 NRSV

In the midst of these long explanations of the taking over of the territory and the division of the land into the clans and tribes, there is this small detail about Caleb who was promised his own portion. In addition, it mentions a woman - also very odd for this Old Testament book. So, when we see these sorts of details in scripture, we need to be paying close attention.

We won't see Achsah again but we will see her cousin, now her husband, Othniel. Othniel becomes the first named judge in the book of Judges. He is already making his mark as an important person because of his bravery in defeating the people of Debir. And having a wife who is the daughter of Caleb will also not hurt Othniel's rise to power.

Certainly his wife is also no shrinking maiden. She demands that her father give even more to her as a present - probably adding to her dowry. "Don't just give me lands but give me water, too!" she says. She obviously knows that it is not land that provides but water sources for the livestock on that land.

Perhaps this additional present insured Othniel's place in the governing of Israel.

What small detail of your life has influenced the future?

God, you are in the details. Thank you. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims